What to Do When Your Toilet is Blocked: A Step-by-Step Guide

Toilet blockages can happen at any time, and are a common household issue. They can be uncomfortable messy and uninspiring, and require immediate attention. But, you don’t necessarily require the plumber immediately. In this blog post we’ll walk you through the steps to unclog your toilet within a matter of minutes.
Key Takeaways
- Toilet blockages can be solved with the use of simple tools such as plungers, baking soda
The tools you’ll need
Before we begin, it’s essential to be prepared with these tools at hand:
- Rubber Gloves
- Plunger
- Baking Soda and Vinegar (Optional)
- The Hanger for Wire Coats or the Pipe Snake (Optional)
Step 1: Shut off the supply of water valve.
The first thing you should do when you encounter a blocked toilet is to shut off the supply of water that is behind the toilet. This ensures that no water will enter the tank as you try to get it unclogged. The valve is usually situated at on the floor of your tank, on the other side.
Step 2: Be sure to protect yourself with rubber gloves.
You must protect your hands from any germs or bacteria found in your toilet bowl with rubber gloves before making use of any tools to unblock the drain.
Step 3: Use a plunger.
A plunger is undoubtedly the most efficient method for clearing up blocked toilets. Begin by pressing down on the plunger until all air escapes from it, then place it firmly on the toilet bowl. Begin to plunging upwards and downwards for about 20 seconds. The suction that is created by the movement of the plunger can help clear any obstructions.
Tips:
- Use a firm but controlled movement.
- Fill in holes around sinks and shower drains if they are near to stop the air from escaping when you plunge.
Step 4: Try baking soda and vinegar in a mixture.
If plunging doesn’t work then try this alternative method add half a cup of baking soda and a tablespoon of vinegar in the bowl. Let this mixture settle for approximately 15 minutes. It will fizz a bit, and when it stops then pour boiling water down (not boiling) to flush out the obstruction.
Step 5 5. Use a coat hanger that is wire or plumbing snake.
If plunging, baking soda/vinegar techniques have failed the problem, it’s time to try the wire coat hanger or plumbing snake. You can straighten out the coat hanger’s wire until have a long thin wire that has a hook bent at one end or use the plumbing snake that was made specifically to clear drain obstructions. Put the tool in the drain hole in your toilet and twist around, twist, push and pull till you experience resistance. this is where the blockage typically is. Try to break up the blockages by using a back and forth motion without causing damage to the pipeline.
Note:
- Don’t push or pull actions too hard, as they could create more problems.
Step 6: Turn on the water supply and check the result
Once you’ve eliminated any blockages, it is crucial to turn off the water supply valve behind your toilet bowl again. After that, flush it a few times to make sure that all water flows smoothly now!
Tools | Description |
---|---|
Rubber Gloves | Hand protection from potential bacteria or germs present in the toilet bowl. |
Plunger | Most effective tool for clearing up blocked toilets. Press firmly over the hole in your toilet bowl and plunge vigorously up and down for about 20 seconds. |
Baking Soda and Vinegar | Mixture to use if plunging doesn’t work. Pour half a cup of baking soda and one cup of vinegar into the toilet bowl. Let this mixture settle for about 15 minutes, then pour hot water down (not boiling) to flush out the blockage. |
Wire Coat Hanger or Plumbing Snake | Tools to use if both plunging and baking soda/vinegar methods have failed. Straighten the wire coat hanger until you have a long thin wire with a hook bent at one end or use the plumbing snake, which is designed specifically for clearing drain clogs. |
Common Questions and Answers
How can I tell when my toilet has become blocked?
One of the most frequent indications of a toilet that is blocked is when the water level rises to the top of the toilet after flushing. You might also notice that water drains away slowly, or you might hear gurgling sounds coming through the toilet.
What can I do if the toilet is blocked?
If you think your toilet has been blocked then avoid flushing it over again since this could result in flooding. Instead, shut off water flow valve that is behind the toilet, and use a plunger to try to remove any obstruction. If this fails contact Perth Blocked Drains Plumber for professional help.
Can I prevent my toilet from getting blocked?
Yes! There are many things you can do to prevent your toilet from being blocked. This includes avoiding flushing non-degradable products like toiletries, wet wipes or cotton wool down the toilet. Also, avoid spilling oil or grease down the sink, as it can cause solidification and block pipes.
What is the best time to call a professional plumber for a blocked toilet?
If you’ve tried plunging your toilet, but it does not unblock, or you suspect that there’s a problem with the plumbing system, causing frequent blockages, it’s time to call in an experienced professional plumber such as Perth Blocked Drains Plumber . We’ve had years of experience tackling every kind of plumbing issue and can swiftly diagnose and resolve any issues without causing any disturbance to the home.
When should I have my drains cleaned?
It is recommended to have your drains cleaned by a professional such as Perth Blocked Drains Plumber every 1-2 years. This will help prevent obstructions and keep your plumbing system functioning smoothly. If, however, you often encounter blockages in your drains or slow draining of water despite making sure you are taking steps to prevent clogging the drains, then annual cleaning is beneficial.
These procedures are fairly easy to carry out and the majority of these products are easily available in households. If you’re facing a blocked toilet, prior to being anxious after attempting the methods mentioned above – contact Perth Blocked Drains Plumber ‘s expert plumbers located in Perth , if you’re seeking professional assistance with your blocked toilets.
Additional Information
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- The Benefits of CCTV Drain Inspection: Beyond Unclogging Pipes
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- DIY Drain Cleaning: How to Safely Tackle Clogged Drains
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